Top 5 Questions to Ask a Birth Photographer

These top five questions to ask a birth photographer will assist you in selecting a birth photographer and photography package to best suit your needs. Without clear information, it can be easy to be underwhelmed or disappointed with your birth photographer’s service. But with a correctly managed relationship, your birth photography experience is set to be a beautiful one.

Can we meet before I go into labour?

While you can access a plethora of information on your potential birth photographer’s website, it simply won’t be enough. Meeting with your birth photographer before confirming a booking is essential. It will allow you the opportunity to ascertain your comfort level with the individual, and gain elaborated answers to any queries you may have.

How many births have you photographed?

This is a great way to test a birth photographer’s experience and professionalism. Often this will also lead to information about how the individual entered the birth photography industry, and what other relevant skills they may have. An experienced birth photographer will know when to give you space, and how to capture breathtaking images without getting in the way.

Do you have experience shooting in various lighting scenarios?

Unless you’re booked in for a Cesarean on a very specific date and time, the birthing experience is always an unpredictable one. You may go into labour at 10am when the light is gentle and natural, or it may only happen at 10pm when it’s pitch dark! Whatever your individual situation, your birth photographer needs to be prepared and experienced to capture beautiful images in the style that you want. Ask to see examples of his or her work depicting different lighting scenarios.

What measures do you have in place to ensure you don’t miss a birth?

Due to the unpredictability of labour, it’s possible for a birth photographer to miss a birth. What’s important is that your photographer has measures in place to drastically reduce the possibility of missing your birth. Ensure that your birth photographer hasn’t booked shoots anywhere near your possible due date.

Also query when the photographer generally arrives at the birthing location. It may be immediately once you begin experiencing contractions, or it may only be once you’re five to seven centimetres dilated. Whatever the standard procedure is, ensure that you’re happy with it. Some birth photographers offer a back-up birth photographer to avoid the possibility of them not being available to you on a certain day.

Will my photos be posted online?

Most birth photographers would like to use your images as part of their online portfolio. However, it’s imperative they gain permission from you first. If you’d prefer none of your images be posted on their website or social media platforms, simply say so. Alternatively, you could request that only specific images are shared, keeping the more intimate ones private. Ask about a birth photographer’s photo sharing policies before hiring hiring them.

Lastly, ensure that you understand what each of the offered birth photography packages include and how much they cost. Query the photographer’s turnaround time too. Most importantly, don’t forget the above top five questions to ask a birth photographer!